Going old school

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AUBURN, Ala. | Gus Malzahn has a message for his team this spring and he's pounding that message home day after day, practice after practice.

After a disappointing 8-5 record last season, Malzahn wants his Tigers to get their edge back and he's driving his point home with physical workouts.

"We're doing the half-line, we're doing the inside, we're doing the team versus defense. We're getting after it," Malzahn said. "We're going old school trying to get our edge back, get our guys to bite."

Of course, adding defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to the staff is an automatic upgrade in intensity.

"It is pretty different, pretty high intensity and they really demand excellence," senior linebacker Kris Frost said. "It makes all of us better."

Auburn wrapped up its fifth of 15 spring practices Thursday afternoon and will be off for spring break before returning Tuesday, March 31.

"I just got through telling our guys that I like where we're at at this point, as a unit," Malzahn said. "We have guys pushing themselves trying to get better each day trying to learn to practice, to hang in there mentally and physically. So I think we're in a good position before the break."

NEW KID IN TOWN: Defensive tackle Montravius Adams knows about the Tigers' top-rated signee, Byron Cowart, but that hasn't stopped him from inquiring about how the freshman will affect things this fall.

"I asked a couple of questions because I don't know where he's going to play," Adams said. "We've got a 3-4 defense, so he could be playing 'Buck,' but then again, could be playing end, so really, I'm just waiting until he gets here. I've never really met him. I'm just ready to see what he's got, because I know he can contribute."

Cowart is a strong-side defensive end by trade.

LEND A HAND: Junior college transfer Jason Smith has been splitting time between quarterback and wideout during that past week, which has prompted teammates to help him with the transition.

One of those guys is Marcus Davis, who made a transition of his own by adjusting from high-school quarterback to college receiver.

"That guy is a great athlete," Davis said. "I tell him all that time --  we work together on punt return. Even days after practice we spend time together. I'm just trying to polish him up at receiver because I feel like he has what it takes to help this team."

STICKING AROUND: Linebacker Kris Frost requested a review from the NFL Draft Advisory Board after considering an early jump to the professional level.

Then the review arrived. Frost announced plans to stay in school the next day.

"Basically … I got a go-back-to-school grade and I definitely thought that was the right decision after sitting back with my family and talking about it," Frost said. "It's working out great. I'm glad to be back and I'm glad to be getting back to work."

Frost has been the team's top option at weak-side linebacker this spring and is expected to enter the 2015 season as one of the Tigers' top defensive players. He relishes the chance to improve his game and enter the 2016 NFL Draft with more to offer professional organizations.

"The coaching staff that we built is second to none, obviously," Frost said. "The potential we have to go on and win a national championship is really high. I love my guys. I love Auburn."

A TRUE CATALYST: Kamryn Pettway has been working exclusively at H Back this spring after arriving on campus last year as a tailback.

The Prattville, Ala., native has plans on winning the job, of course, but said Thursday that competition from freshman Chandler Cox has been a blessing.

"I think (Cox) is a great athlete and he's going to push me a lot to get the best out of me," Pettway said. "He's a great athlete. He can catch the ball well. He's pretty quick. He's a little physical also."

Pettway said Thursday that he's added 15 pounds -- up to 245 pounds -- since last season.

BIG DAY FOR DAD: Malzahn has a big weekend ahead. His youngest daughter, Kenzie, is getting married on Sunday. "I'm excited," he said. "It's a big weekend. We're really looking forward to it."